Family of four falls on hard times

Donations may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Star, 315 E. Graham St., Shelby. Mail donations to The Star, P.O. Box 48, Shelby, NC 28151.

By Jackie Bridges

Published: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 08:00 AM.

What was the one toy you wanted more than anything? For me it was a Chatty Cathy doll.

On Christmas morning, I woke up and tip-toed to the tree. I was too afraid to look, because what if there was no doll waiting for me?

But there she was, smiling at me, waiting for me to pull the string and listen to her say, "Please brush my hair."

I imagine my parents grinning at each other, delighted at my reaction. Everyone can share a similar story, and I'm sure there are those who have experienced a Christmas when the toy they wished for was not waiting under the tree.

With your gifts to the Empty Stocking Fund, you can make sure there's a surprise waiting for 450 children.

You'll be helping one mother and father in particular bring joy to their two children this year.

This family of four has fallen on hard times, said Maj. Cherry Craddock.

What was the one toy you wanted more than anything? For me it was a Chatty Cathy doll.

On Christmas morning, I woke up and tip-toed to the tree. I was too afraid to look, because what if there was no doll waiting for me?

But there she was, smiling at me, waiting for me to pull the string and listen to her say, "Please brush my hair."

I imagine my parents grinning at each other, delighted at my reaction. Everyone can share a similar story, and I'm sure there are those who have experienced a Christmas when the toy they wished for was not waiting under the tree.

With your gifts to the Empty Stocking Fund, you can make sure there's a surprise waiting for 450 children.

You'll be helping one mother and father in particular bring joy to their two children this year.

This family of four has fallen on hard times, said Maj. Cherry Craddock.

"The father was laid off and no longer has insurance," she said. "One of the children is sick, and the medication is expensive. They have applied for Medicaid, but it has not been approved yet."

This family is just getting by on the mother’s salary, but they need “a little help” for Christmas, Craddock said.

Will you respond with a little - or a very big - gift?

Reach Jackie Bridges at 704-669-3337 or at jbridges@shelbystar.com.

Empty Stocking Fund

Total as of Dec. 3: $8,489.50

Recent gifts

Oscar and B.J. Zamora, $100

Charles D. and Katrina P. Cochran, $100

Anonymous, in honor of Jean Wilson, $25

Melissa Devane, $25

Tom and Faye Burton, in memory of George Blue, $100

Gail Burton, in honor of Marie Biddix, $100

R. Moran Parker, in memory of Doris Parker, $25

Mary Warren, in memory of Jim Warren and Joan Warren Faires, $100

Donnis Walker, in memory of Joe Ed Walker, $100

Burnette Whitaker, in memory of Marie and Pleas Gold, $50

Frances D. Bryce, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Keith McCrave, $10

John and Petty Button, $25

Laureate Alpha Iota Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, $25

Dr. and Mrs. James H. Burrus, $500

HOW TO GIVE TO THE EMPTY STOCKING FUND

Donations may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Star, 315 E. Graham St., Shelby. Mail donations to The Star, P.O. Box 48, Shelby, NC 28151.